Yeah, you're right of course. I just don't like change. Only reason that
I'm
flying on one this time, is that I'm at war with Virgin about their
loyalty
points scheme, that won't allow me to use points to offset the cost of my
fare, so I've booked with a different airline as a protest. Its an
A330-300
that we're booked on. Seat pitch is a little better at 33" cattle class,
than most of the seats on the 747-400, which are 31". There are a few at
33", but Virgin charge thirty quid each way extra for them. Width is a tad
over 17", which is a bit tight on my lardy arse these days, but I guess
we'll make it there. Mind you, the Airbus has only got one redundant
engine.
The 747 has got three ... Not so long back, they didn't allow two-engined
planes to fly the 'straight' route across open Atlantic, did they ? Not
gonna be in Florida in October are you ?

Arfa


30 quid each way for a Trans-Atlantic flight doesn't seem like an
exuberant overcharge for more comfort.

The 330-300 is an ETOPS 180 wide-body jetliner and is fitted with two
Rolls Trent motors most likely for Virgin, Emirates or Cathay but can
be fitted with Pratt or GE or maybe CFMI. The 320 I rode around on
had 2 CFMI motors and I have to say they were quiet and resonant-free.



The reliability factor in these motors is why they are now allowed to
fly with 2 instead of 4. You won't find much new design if any that
use 4 motors except those that need the thrust like the 380.

All that being said I wouldn't worry about it. Catastrophic motor
failure is a rare event these days except if you're unfortunate enough
to suck down a goose on takeoff or landing. Besides, doesn't Virgin
offer a parachute/life raft combo for a few quid more each way

As far as my being in FL in October goes, who knows? I have relatives
and friends that live near Tampa and Boca Raton.

Ok. Let me know if you do plan to be there. Maybe we can meet up. Get
Michael down as well :-)

Arfa